The Twelve Apostles

　　    The Twelve Apostles, also translated as the Twelve Disciples Rocks, is a collection of naturally formed limestone stacks, of which seven currently remain. They are situated along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, within Port Campbell National Park. The Twelve Apostles are a renowned attraction in Victoria, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Originally referred to as "The Sow and Piglets," their name was changed in the 1950s to the more appealing "Twelve Apostles" (a reference to Jesus’ twelve disciples), even though only nine stacks remained at the time.

　　    In the early 2000s, a visitor center was built along the Great Ocean Road by the local government, featuring facilities such as parking and restrooms. Additionally, tourists can opt to take a helicopter ride to enjoy aerial views of the Twelve Apostles and their surroundings. These rock formations were shaped by the erosive power of the ocean. Over the past 10 to 20 million years, storms and winds from the Southern Ocean have continuously worn away the relatively soft limestone cliffs, creating numerous caves. These caves gradually enlarged, forming arches that eventually collapsed. The result is the distinctive, towering rock stacks—some reaching up to 45 meters in height—that now stand separated from the mainland.

　　    Some of the stacks have collapsed due to the slow erosion of their bases by waves. On July 3, 2005, one stack crumbled, and another fell on September 25, 2009, leaving only seven standing today. The erosion rate of these limestone formations is approximately 2 centimeters per year. As erosion continues, old "apostles" fall while new ones are gradually formed.

　　    The Twelve Apostles     Must-visit reason: One of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders     Continent: Oceania     Country/Region: Australia     State/Province: Victoria